Articles from Radio-Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced up to $1.2 billion to support the country's lumber industry in response to increased U.S. anti-dumping tariffs. The package includes $700 million in loan guarantees and $500 million in grants to boost product development and market diversification. Additionally, Canada plans to double the use of Canadian lumber in residential construction through the Maisons Canada program, aiming to build 500,000 new homes yearly. This decision follows the U.S. Commerce Department's increase in anti-dumping duties to 20.56% on Canadian wood, which has been criticized as unfair and punitive.

A 31-year-old female construction worker died after falling from a ladder during work on the roof of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges school in Montreal. The police and CNESST are conducting a joint investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident. This incident follows another serious workplace accident in the Montreal area, where a 21-year-old worker was killed by machinery. These accidents highlight ongoing safety concerns in local construction sites.

During the construction holiday in Quebec, there was a significant increase in road fatalities, with 38 deaths reported in 30 collisions, more than double from the previous year. Factors such as human error, speeding, and distracted driving contributed to these accidents. The Sûreté du Québec has noted a high number of single-vehicle crashes and infractions for safety belt violations. Additionally, motorcyclists were heavily impacted, with 14 fatalities involving motorcycles.

Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, recanted his initial statement about the province issuing work permits, emphasizing a need for greater immigration authority. Ford's comments followed frustration over long wait times for asylum seekers to receive permits, though federal data suggests shorter processing times. The federal agency clarified that claims can commence to acquire work permits shortly after necessary conditions like medical exams are fulfilled.

Nearly 200,000 construction workers in Quebec are on a two-week vacation, with many opting not to travel to the U.S. due to political tensions under President Trump. This period has reduced construction activities, although a recent labor agreement promises significant wage increases. The Alliance syndicale de la construction and the APCHQ's new agreement could raise wages by up to 24.35% over four years, potentially impacting housing costs. Despite this, there was a slight decline in new housing starts due partially to a previous strike in the residential sector.

Recently, sorting centers in Quebec have incinerated thousands of tons of plastic instead of recycling them, due to the lack of recycling opportunities for certain types of plastics. Notably, 17% of the plastic collected in 2023 was burned for energy production, a practice criticized by environmentalists for its impact on sustainability. This situation highlights the challenge of managing plastic waste, as only 20% of plastics placed in recycling bins are truly recycled. Meanwhile, more plastics are being exported out of Quebec for recycling, adding to concerns about the transparency and traceability of these processes.

The article discusses the growing popularity of eco-friendly homes in Canada, which cost 4-6% more to build than standard homes but offer longer lifespans and reduced energy expenses. Key features include enhanced insulation, durable materials, and strategically oriented windows for heat conservation. Some homeowners, like Claudette Sauvé and Denis Turcotte, find the investment worthwhile due to significant energy savings, while others may find the costs prohibitive. The article highlights the need for more sustainable construction practices as the housing market expands.

During a public consultation in Edmonton about Alberta's future within Canada, Premier Danielle Smith faced criticism from attendees. Proposals discussed included creating a provincial police force, establishing an individual pension fund, and controlling immigration independent of federal regulations. Concerns were raised about the potential risks and effectiveness of these proposals, along with opposition to creating divisions by questioning the role of immigrants in Alberta's economy.

The residential construction workers in Quebec have ratified a new collective agreement with the Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec, following a three-week strike. The agreement, supported by 83.4% of union members, includes wage increases of at least 18% over four years, with an immediate 8% raise in 2025. It also introduces flexibility in workforce mobility and enhances allowances for travel, accommodation, and safety equipment. A committee will be established to address workforce attraction and retention issues in the residential sector.

Geneviève Guilbault, Québec's Minister of Transport, secured $275 million to advance the plan for a third transportation link between Québec and Lévis. The funding, which is part of the existing budget, will support project planning and development. This commitment demonstrates the government's intention to make significant progress on the project before the next provincial elections. Current activities include geotechnical drilling to assess soil quality along the proposed corridor.

A major landslide occurred overnight in Portneuf, specifically in the Rang de la Rivière-Blanche Est area of Saint-Thuribe. Although no injuries were reported, three residences were evacuated as a precaution, with a fourth one to be evacuated soon. The local fire department and the Ministry of Public Safety responded to the incident. The situation on-site is being monitored as the ground may continue to shift.

Aéroports de Montréal plans to invest $10 billion over the next decade to enhance the capacity and accessibility of Montréal-Trudeau Airport by 2035. The project aims to accommodate 30 to 35 million passengers annually and includes the construction of new facilities such as a satellite terminal and expanded deicing stations. Montréal-Trudeau Airport is improving current infrastructure to handle future growth without increasing airport fees, relying on generated revenues and a $1 billion loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.